Canseco admits using banned substance, won't play in Mexican League

Former major leaguer Jose Canseco announced Wednesday that he will not play in the Mexican League this season after admitting he had taken a banned substance that he had no prescription for.

The banned substance was testosterone, Mexican League president Plinio Escalente confirmed to ESPN Deportes. Canseco had originally refused to take a drug test, but subsequently admitted the use of testosterone, the web site reported.

Canseco, who is 47, had hoped to play this season for the Quintana Roo Tigers of the Mexican League, which is affiliated with Major League Baseball and carries an equivalency to the Triple-A level. Canseco, a former MLB all-star, last played in the majors in 2001.

On Feb. 12, Canseco tweeted, "Back in baseball I knew I would play this year you just gotta believe in your dreams. Leave on redeye tonite to start spring training with AAA quintana roo tigers tomorrow. Team won league championship last year."

The 1988 American League Most Valuable Player, Canseco played 17 years in the big leagues, hitting 462 home runs.